Gay Anthems Compete in New MTV Category

Videos for Lady Gaga's self-empowerment tune "Born This Way" and Katy Perry's life-affirming anthem "Firework" are among the nominees in a new category honoring socially responsible recording artists at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards.

The"Best Video With a Message category is in conjunction with MTV Act, which celebrates the union between music and social activism. According to Stephen Friedman, MTV's president, the new category is due to celebrities and public figures who have spoken out against bullying and antigay discrimination, and promoted self-empowerment. In a statement released to the press, Friedman says, "During the past year, we've seen a remarkable number of artists use their music to explore deeply personal experiences and issues they were passionate about to create powerful videos that resonated with and inspired millions of their fans."

The nominees for Best Video With a Message are Pink for "F**kin' Perfect," Lady Gaga for "Born This Way," Katy Perry for "Firework," Eminem featuring Rihanna for "Love the Way You Lie," Rise Against for "Make It Stop (September's Children)," and Taylor Swift for "Mean." Voting is open to the public here through August 16.

The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from Los Angeles August 28.

Watch "Firework" below and other nominated videos on the following pages.

"Mean" by Taylor Swift

"Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem with Rihanna

"F**kin' Perfect" by Pink

"Make It Stop (September's Children)" by Rise Against

"Born This Way" by Lady Gaga